From the 1982 Avanti II convertible prototype in “The Karate Kid” to the grounded Dodge Caravan in “Cobra Kai,” here are the cars Johnny Lawrence has driven.

Written by Lauren Smith

Reviewed by Jessica Barrett

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

1982 Avanti II Convertible Prototype
1991 Pontiac Firebird
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
2018 Audi S7
1993 Dodge Caravan Passenger SE
How to save money on car insurance

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Johnny Lawrence has had many cool cars, from his classic 1982 Avanti Convertible in The Karate Kid to his beloved muscle cars to the 1993

Dodge Caravan

he eventually steals from LaRusso in the most recent seasons of Cobra Kai.

Cars are probably not the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the cult-classic Karate Kid movies and subsequent Cobra Kai series. Karate, crane kicks, and the importance of breath and balance are generally more synonymous with the series.

Still, with Mr. Miyagi's classic wax on wax off lesson using the yellow 1947

Ford

Super Deluxe Convertible, it's evident from the start that cars—and a love for them— have played an integral role in the series.

If you've ever wondered what the two-time All-Valley champ drove, buckle in for a nostalgic trip with

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1982 Avanti II Convertible Prototype

The first Avanti was developed in 1961 as a luxury coupe from the famed Studebaker make. While Studebaker had early success, it struggled in the Post-War era to keep up with some of its competitors. To revamp their brand, Studebaker began to develop the Avanti as a part of the X-SHE project using lightweight fiberglass and parts from the Studebaker Lark.

Avanti outlasted Studebaker, and the model changed hands several times to continue production and was occasionally marketed under new names. In 1963, Nate and Arnold Altman, and Leo Newman purchased the rights and plant space of Studebaker and began the Avanti Motor Corporation. In 1965, they retooled the Avanti as the Avanti II, which is the car driven by ace degenerate Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid.

The car used in the film was a prototype as Avanti didn’t release any convertibles until 1984.

This red two-door convertible, seen at the Golf N' Stuff in the first movie, was designed by Richard Straman and had rectangular halogen headlights, wire-rimmed wheels, and a fiberglass bumper.

This unique, sleek look was the perfect way to show off Johnny Lawrence's higher status than his rival Daniel LaRusso. Johnny’s pristine Avanti was in another league than Daniel’s 1969

Chevrolet

Chevelle Concours Wagon—that the LaRussos had to give a literal running start.

Fun fact The car used in the film was one of three prototypes; the original serial number for Johnny's Avanti is RQB3370. This same car was used in Knight Rider season two episode thirteen for a chase scene.

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1991 Pontiac Firebird

Cobra Kai reintroduced us to Johnny Lawrence, finding the character at a low point. The former All-Valley Champion from the mansions in

Encino

moved to a graffiti-covered apartment complex where the pipes don’t work in

Reseda

, driving a 1991

Pontiac Firebird

This classic car is a husk of the former glory of a Pontiac Firebird. With a badly chipped clear coat and squeaky doors, it just manages to get Johnny from one maintenance job to another.

The Pontiac Firebird was created to compete against the

Camaro.

It wasn’t Pontiac’s first attempt at this—the Firebird replaced the Banshee, making it past the prototype and into four generations worth of production. Johnny’s Pontiac is a third-generation, which is considered the worst of the bunch because of its poor fuel economy, inconsistent handling, lower horsepower, and high emissions.

Like its owner, the car took a beating throughout the first season of the series. First, Miguel Diaz, Johnny Lawrence's neighbor, a new-to-town high school student, was thrown into the hood by bullies. Then, unfortunately, the

Firebird was hit by a car

full of teens that included Daniel LaRusso’s (Johnny’s old rival) daughter.

After the hit and run, the car was towed to LaRusso Luxury Auto, where Daniel LaRusso fixed the vehicle on the house—even though the repairs would cost more than the car is worth. A 1991 Pontiac Firebird in good condition is worth about $3,426, and Johnny’s car, after the accident, was worth even less.

The Pontiac Firebird survived in better and shinier condition for most of the first season until Daniel LaRusso’s cousin and a biker gang took revenge on the car. They ensured it wouldn’t ride again by setting it on fire—rekindling the 35-year rivalry between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso.

MORE:

How often do cars catch on fire?

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2009 Dodge Challenger R/T

Shortly after the loss of the Pontiac Firebird, Johnny Lawrence returns to LaRusso Auto to get a car off the trade-in lot. Daniel offers Johnny a free car to make up for the torched one, so Johnny finds one car he deems "not half-bad." He chooses a red with black striped 2009

Dodge Challenger R/T

with a 5.7-liter HEMI engine and 370 horsepower, which is the kind of muscle car Johnny loves.

The red racing-striped muscle car got an upgrade in season two when it was repainted with matte black and yellow paint and black rims. With a silver customized snake gearshift, black and yellow snake license plate, cobra decal seats, and a cobra badge, the car matched the Cobra Kai Logo in every possible way.

Despite this car's beautiful and pristine, the 2009 custom Dodge Challenger R/T did not make it past the second season. After losing Cobra Kai to his former sensei, Johnny leaves the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T on the beach with the windows down and the keys inside.

MORE:

How to build a custom Dodge Charger

2018 Audi S7

The 2018

Audi S7

, a luxurious modern car owned by Daniel LaRusso, was driven by Johnny in season three, episode two when the two team up to find Robby, Johnny’s son. They learned that Robby has stolen a 1993 Dodge Caravan Passenger SE off the LaRusso Auto lot and searched for the car and the missing teen.

While stopping for gas and snacks at a gas station, they spotted the stolen van pulling up with a LaRusso Auto plate. Unfortunately, a man they didn’t know fled in the Dodge, and Johnny jumped behind the wheel, taking over the chase to find out what happened to his son.

He took advantage of Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 450-horsepower V8 engine to keep up with the fleeing Caravan. He wove through traffic and followed it to a chop shop—just in time to get into a fight, not only with the mechanics but with Daniel LaRusso.

MORE:

What is permissive use and who does it cover?

1993 Dodge Caravan Passenger SE

After failing to find Robby and fighting with Johnny, Daniel took his Audi and leaves to go home. Without any other ways to get home, Johnny took the 1993

Dodge Caravan

Even though Daniel told Johnny to return the Caravan to the shop, Johnny drove it throughout season four—but he gave the car a new look. It wasn’t quite as sleek as the custom Challenger, but the car had a unique touch with "Eagle Fang" (the logo of Johnny’s dojo) painted onto the side (the expanded door space is helpful here!).

Was this car insured? Possibly. Either by saying the car was gifted or through permissive use, Johnny Lawrence could still use the dealership's insurance or get his own. Or, he could also be

driving uninsured which is illegal.

Fun Fact While the series claims the car is a 1993 Dodge Caravan, a Passenger SE Minivan trim with 159,149 miles and worth only $909, it’s a bit too modern for 1993. Judging by the look, it is probably one of the 2001-2007 models.

MORE:

How much does it cost to paint a car?

How to save money on car insurance

Hopefully, you're not dealing with a 35-year-old karate rivalry leading to multiple break-ins, broken bones, bullying, and car damage. But to protect you and your vehicles before any old enemies pop up in your life, it'd be best to ensure you have car insurance that fits your needs.

You need to be insured whether you drive a

well-loved classic

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